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Summer of Play

This summer, enjoy Hardwick’s top tier Orchard of Play!

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

There are interactive games for everyone at Hardwick’s bigger and better Summer of Play!

Take a trip back in time to enjoy some Elizabethan themed entertainment activities, including: a chance to don a costume and showcase your favourite stories or moves in one of our stages, make a tune on our music station, or challenge a friend to a game of giant chess.

Engage with the natural world at the Nature Nook which will be a treat for the senses! From rustling up new recipes in our mud kitchen to what you can feel as you explore our new barefoot walk, there will be lots to explore, learn and discover.

For the more competitive kids, watch them compete in races, hurdles, football, tennis and badminton. Or why not set up an archery competition and see if you can find the next Robin Hood!

Let's not forget the little ones, the Tot’s Spot is a haven of soft play, bean bags, cushions and relaxed games, perfect for young families or siblings wanting to play together.

For non-members of the National Trust, or visitors without a general admission ticket to the House and Gardens, the Wider Estate admission fees apply:

• Adult: £6.00

• Child: £3.00

• Family (2 adults, 2 children): £15.00

• Family (1 adult, 2 children): £9.00

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Meeting point

The activity zones will be the North Orchard, please proceed to Visitor reception as normal and you’ll be directed on where to go.

What to bring and wear

The activity zones are all outdoors, please dress for the Great British weather! Wellies may be needed if visiting after heavy rainfall and suncream for those extra warm days.

Upcoming events

Event

Material Power: Rewoven 

Material Power continues in 2025, displaying 16 contemporary textile artworks amongst the internationally renowned textile collection.

Event summary

on
22 Jun to 31 Oct 2025
at
11:00 to 15:30
+ 131 other dates or times
Event

Create With Us: Storytelling & Singing 

Listen to songs and stories centred around themes of Elizabethan traditions in Hardwick Hall.

Event summary

on
22 Jun 2025
at
13:00 to 15:30
Event

Walk With Us: Wider Estate Walks 

Discover Hardwick’s longer walking routes on a free guided group walk around the estate. With 7 different walks to choose from, sign up to one or challenge yourself to complete them all!

Event summary

on
24 Jun to 21 Aug 2025
at
10:30 to 12:30
+ 17 other dates or times
Event

Fleece to Fabric (4 part workshop) 

Ever wondered how the Elizabethans turned wool into cloth? Explore four heritage crafts on this journey of taking a raw fleece and transforming it into a woven item. These take place over four dates at different Hardwick locations.

Event summary

on
28 Jun 2025
at
10:00 to 15:00